अस्पृश्यांचा लष्करी पेशा

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Repatriation Commission Indian Castodian Force
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Martial Race of Indiaby Lieut. General Cir George MacMann, K.C.B., K.C.S.I., D.S.O.,
Colonel Commandant, The Royal Artillary,
:The Maharattas are certain folk of semi-Aryan extraction who own and cultivate the
land of the coastal plains and hills north and south of Bombay, the spurs and valleys of the
wall of Western Ghats, and the uplands known as the Deccan, more properly Dekhan, and
the lower lands and jungles of the Konkan. Because some Aryan or Jat race, because they
were men of thaws and hearts and because they were prepared to leave Buddhism, and
came back to the Brahmin fold, therefore, they were admitted to have something, it is not
quite clear what of Rajput status (pp. 97-98)

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(CHHATRAPATI SHIVAGI employed the MAHARS to watch jungles at foot of the hill forts,
act as scouts and kept the forts supplied with wood and folder. The Mahar recruits came
from the provinces of BOMBAY Presidency and MADHYA PRADESH The Regimental History
of the MAHAR M. G. Regiment, by Colonel Major General S. P. P. Thorat, DSO (1954),
PAGE 3).
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Evolution, Government of India Publication, 1924, page 2).

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(The Armies of India, p. 4 by Major G. F. McMunn 1911)
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(5. The rise of MARATHA power under the leadership of Shivaji (1645) coincides with the
rising of the first bodies of sepoy troops by the East India Company for the defence of their
factories, whilst the MAHATHA power embraced all castes and creeds in their army. Writing
in the eighteenth century JOHN JACOB could say, In the Bombay Army, the Brahmin stands
shoulder to shoulder in the ranks, nay, sleeps in the same tent with his Purwariee fellow
soldier and dreams not of any objection to this arrangement. If this subject be mentioned to a
Brahmin sepoy, the ready answer is, What do I care? Is he not the soldier of the State? The
early Bombay Army of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries was not predominantly
composed of MAHARAS, RICHARD BURTON himself an officer in a Bombay Regiment at the
turn of eighteenth century, took the Parwaree as the typical sepoy (The Mahar Regiment,
p.3).
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minds of many that only the dregs of Indian society would take service as soldiers in
theBombay regiments of the East India Company. And there may be a prima facieground for
such an opinion; for in the armies of the Maratha Chiefs all the infantry were men of lower
castes and were treaded with disdain. The pure Maratha warrior rode on horse back; and for
each horseman there were two foot soldiers, one who attended to the animal and another
who cut grass or fodder for it, there foot soldiers or paiks must have been of the Mahar and
Mang castes.
The Mahar footman was known as Nak, and the Mang footman as Raut. The Maratha
artillery was dragged along by large teams of bullocks, and there many have been room for
outcastes by the yokes of those teams. A field officer of the British Army describes the
Maratha soldiers of the armies which joined the Bombay Army under Major General
Abercomley in the campaign against Seringapatan in 1791. They were remarkably plain but
neat in their appearance. Mild in their aspect, humane in their disposition, polite and
unaffected in their address, they were distinguished by obedience to their chiefs and
attachment to their country The Maratha infantry is composed of black Christians and
despicable poor wretches of the lowest caste, uniform in nothing but the bad taste of their
musquest, none of which are either clear or complete;and few are provided with either
ammunition or accountrements. They are commanded by half-caste people of Portuguese
and French extraction, who draw off the attention of spectators from the bad clothing of their
men by profusion of antiquated lace of their own The Marathas do not appear to treat
their infantry with more respect than they deserve, as they ride through them without any
ceremony on the march, and on all occasions evidently consider them as foreigners, and a
very inferior class of people and troops. (The Mahar Flock, page 59-60).
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Indian, 26-1-1969, Page I).
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THIS COLUMN
Is erected to commemorate the defence of Koregam by a Detachment Commanded
by Captain Staunton of the Bombay Establishment which was surrounded on the 1st of
January 1818 by the Peshwas whole army under his personal command, and withstood
throughout the day a series of the most obstinate and sanguinary assault of his best troops.
Captain Staunton, under the most appalling circumstances preserved in his desperate
resistance, and seconded by the unconquerable spirit of his detachment, at length achieved
the single discomfiture of the enemy and accomplished one of the prodest triumphs of the
British Army in the East.
TO PERPETUATE
The memory of the brave troops in whose heroic firmness and devotion it owes the
glory of that day, The British Government has directed the names of their Corps and of the
killed and wounded to be inscribed on this momument.
MD CCCXII
(The Mahar M.G. Regiment, Pages 7-8).
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. :This Road is named after Major Sidney James Waudby, who with Elahi Bux and
Private Sonnak Tannak (nak was a characteristic suffix to Mahar names that dates from their
service in Shivajis armies) all of the 19th Bombay Infantry, fell on the 16th April 1880, in fence
of Dubro, post in Afganistan which, when warned that an attack in force was imminent, they
refused to abandon and most gallantly held for three hours against three hundred of the
enemy, many of whom were slain. Eventually when all their ammunition was expended they
dashed into the amidst of their foes and died fighting. The odds are even greater than at
Koregaon and the heroes were of the same castes, a Europen, a Muslim and the Mahar, who
had made up the Bombay Regiments from the start.
(The Mahar MG Regiment, pp. 8-9)
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Previous Name of unit

1)
1st Bombay Native 1)
Present Name of unit
Remark
1st BN The Grenadiers
2nd-do
Infantry
2)
2nd
3)
rd
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3)
st
st
1 BN The Maratha Light Infantry
4)
th
-do-
4)
1 BN The Rajputana Rifles
5)
5th
-do-
5)
2nd BN The Maratha Light Infantry
6)
th
-do-
6)
th
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th
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7)
8)
9)
10)
11)
12)
13)
14)
15)
16)
17)
18)
19)
20)
21)
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8)
rd
3 BN the Grenadiers
th
Disbanded
7)
Disbanded
8)
9)
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9)
th
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10)
3rd BNThe Maratha Light Infantry
10)
th
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11)
111 Maratha in World War 1914-18
11)
Disbanded
12
th
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12)
Disbanded
13
th
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13)
Disbanded
th
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14)
14)
15
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15)
Disbanded
16
th
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17
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17)
Disbanded
18
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18)
Disbanded
19
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20)
21)
Disbanded
10
11
14
20
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21th
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20)
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The Maratha Light Infantry Centre

th
4 BN The Maratha Light Infantry

5
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2 BN the Jat Regiment

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2 BN the Jajputana Rifles

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(THEN 121 Pioneers)

rd
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22th
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23rd
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4th BN The Rajputana Rifles
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24)
Disbanded
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28)
29)
Disbanded
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28)
29)
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25
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(THEN 128 Pioneers)
The Bombay 29)
Marine BN
(The Mahar MG Regiment Appendix C, page 95)

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, THE MAHAR FOLK (. ) .

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:The photostate certificate of the grant of the rank of Jamadar and Subedar to
KAMALNAC VITNAC (CUMBLENAK WITNAC) are reproduced as under:
THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL OF BOMBAY
The Cumblenac Witnac Greating by Virtue of the power and Authority to us given. We
do hereby constitute andappoint you Cumblenac Witnac to be a Jamadar in the Service of the
East India Company, on the Bombay Establishment. You are therefore carefully and diligently
to discharge the Duty of Jamadar by doing and performing all and all manner of things there
unto belonging; and you are to observe and follow such orders and Directions, from time to
time, as you shall receive from us the Governor in Council for the time being or any other your
superior officer, according to the Rules and Discipline of War; and you are to rank as Jemadar
on the list of Jemadar on the Bombay Establishment, from the First day of January One
thousand Eight Hundred and Forty Seven Dated in BOMBAY CASTLE, this first day of June
One Thousand Eight hundred and forty seven.
Registered, by Order, in the Secretarys
Office, Military Department
Sd-
Lieut Col.
Sd-
Secretary to the Government
Sd-
Military Department
Sd(The MAHAR MG Regiment, page 91)

THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL OF BOMBAY
To Kamalnac Vitnac
Greating by Virtueof the Power and Authority to us given we do
hereby constitute and appoint you Kamalnac Vitnac to be Subedar in the Service of the East
India Company, on the Bombay Establishment. You are therefore carefully and diligently to
discharge the Duty of Subedar by doing and performing all and all manner of things thereunto
belonging, and you are to observe and follow such Orders and Directions, from time to time
as you shall receive from Us the Governor in Council for the time being, or any other your
Superior officer, according to the Rules and Discipline of War : and you are to rank as
Subedar on the List of Subedar on the Bombay Establishment, from the Fifth day of April One
thousand Eight Hundred and Fifty dated in Bombay Castle, This thirtieth Day of December
One thousand Eight hundred and Fifty.
Registered by order in the Secretarys office
Military Department
Sd|(The MAHAR MG Regiment, page 93).
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(How eagerly the sepoy flocked to the Companys service both mercenaries, descendants
the low caste men, and now the high caste yeomen, is one of the glories of the British
memories The Armies of India, pp. 173). . .

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(efficiency of the Native Army by improving the material of which it is
Composed),
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pages 1-2). . , ,
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(Memorandum Improvement of the fighting efficiency of the Native Army. Recruiting and
reorganization of the Bombay Army).. ,,
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. . (Analysis of caste return of the Bombay
Army, dated 1st January 1890).(Vol. 13 1891, Military Deptt., pages 9-22).
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. (29 The enlistment Maratta Companies should be strictly
caste men in the of Dhers Purwaris and other low forbidden).
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[(Confidential) Now it has been declared as non-Confidential)] letter No.
1712/335. Dated 3rd May 1892, Mahabaleshwar, to the Secretary to the Government, Military
department Mahabaleshwar. Pages 65-73, Vol. 13/18 Military Deptt.)

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24-C, dated 1st June 1892, page 91, Vol. 13/1891 Military Deptt.)
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29. The total number of Maratta Companies proposed in the memorandum is 54,
giving a total of about 5.600/-men. As we have now in our ranks 6,258 Marattas (Konkanis
and Dekhanis), and three regiments which formerly enlisted a proportion of Marattas are
being, or are about to be, converted into Frontier regiments, it is believed that even if men of
the inferior classes (so called Marattas following trades, C) be debarred enlistment in future,
there will (page 122) be no great difficulty in obtaining the required number; but to make them
up we shall have to take Konkani Marattas of the approved classes. It is stated that the class
of Maratta which it is most desirable to obtain is the short, sturdy man from the hill country at
the edge of the Ghats, and that it is understood that these hill Maharattas or Mawalis are the
only portion of the race who retain any martial spirit worth consideringIt is also recommended
that every endeavour be made to induce them to enlist. Now the district locally called
Mawals is the strip of hilly ground which lies above and to the east of the Ghats, and
approximately, extends from Bhor in the South to Bhima Shunkar in the north. This tract of
country is small, and it is improbable that anything like the large number of men required will
be forthcoming for enlistment, even though the standard of height has been lowered to 541/2They are spoken of as the descendants of Shivajis swordsmen. If they were drawn from
the area above defined, his swordsmen must have composed a very small portion of his
army; but the strip of hill country at the edge of the Ghats extending from Juner to Kolhapur.
History however, informs us that Shivajis army was composed of all classes, including
Maharattas of the Konkan and Dekhan and Mawals, also Parwaris, Mangs, & C (in fact
very much as the Maharatta portion of the Bombay Army now) the Brahmins and Maharattas
of the best families however, generally holding the highest offices and positions as leaders,
Hitherto, very few of the Mawali Class have entered the Bombay Army. The lowering of the
standard; or height may possibly result in the enlist of a larger, though not of the required
number. There are probably amongst the Mawalis more Kunbis in proportion to their number
than there are amongst the other Mahrattas of the Konkan and Dekhan, and it is anticipated
that some Kunbis, if of good physique, will have to be taken to make up the number of
Mahrattas required.
30. The enlistment of Dhers, Parwaris and other low caste men, except Baidurs,
whose enlistment has been recommended by the Government of India, should not be
generally permitted in future; however, it has been pointed out that a certain number of these
classes are necessary as musicians and buglers; and it would be the better arrangement that
these few men should be posted to the Mahratta companies than to others. Pages 122-23
of Vol 13| 1891, Military Deptt.)
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. Vol. 771895 Rev. Deptt., page 257). .
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21 But the MAHAR was gradually disappearing from the army. In 1863 came the
abolition of the old Presidency Armies a reform long overdue and the institutions of
caste companies and Battalions a reform which had been introduced in the Northern Army
largely as a measure greater safety. No such precaution was required in the old Bombay
Army and it served only to close valuable sources of recruitment. It was principally due to the
growing intolerance of the true MARATHAS, who had been for years asserting their
superiority in the social scale. Originally the Konkan and Ratnagiri MAHARS had enlisted
freely and had fought gallantly and at this time the Deccan MARATHAS had no tradition for
enlistment at all. To go back further, Shivajis Army had been truly national or at least
regional. All castes had been welcomed, and indeed, at that time the Maratha did not
consider himself greatly superior to others who shared the country with him. The introduction
of class companies destroyed this excellent system as the Maratha became specially caste
conscious. Not only did he despise the outcaste, but claiming Kshattriya descent, he ought
to dissociated himself from classes such as mali and Dhangar who were undoubtedly his own
brethren. Along with this there was the industrial development of Bombay which raised a
formidable competition for the manpower of Konkan and the Deccan. After 1895 the MAHAR
virtually ceased to exist as a power in the Indian Army, only a few being recruited as a
bandman or syces.
22. In 1897, however, class composition of the MAHARS was abolished on account of their
untouchability and from this time onwards upto 1916 the number of MAHARS in the Army was
too meagre to be mentioned. (The MAHAR M.G. Regiment, pp. 9-10.).

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TO,
His Excellency the Right Honourable Governor of Bombay in Council.
Humble petition of the undersigning Mahars or Parwaries.
May it please.Your Excellencys Lordship. Beg most humbly and respectfully, to solicit
the favour of your Excellencys Kindly taking the most miserable lamentable and piteous
circumstances of all the Mahars or Parwaries in the Konkan and Deccan into most kind and
favourable consideration. They are as follows:
Since the time of the English has come to India myriads of Mahars or Parvaries have
lost their lives in doing every thing good in their powers for the benefit of the Government
which they are living now.
1.In olden times when the present Government fought against Native kings they took
every opportunity of fighting against the Native kings side by side of their brothers the British
Soldiers and acquired so large a kingdom for the present Government. At that time they were
called men from the fighting class. The Government also lost no oppor-tunily of getting them
enlisted in the Army and rising them to the Regimental highest ranks. Thousands of Parwaries
were raised to high ranks such as Jamadar and Subedars. They were granted with every kind
of hope of their being enlisted in the Regiments and of raising them to Military high ranks.
2. At the time of any war they got themselves enlisted very willingly and joined their
brother Soldiers the British Soldiers in fighting and (page 223), acquiring the territory for their
most kind and brave British Government It is not only that they joined the Army willingly but
they were forced to do so at the time of army war.
3. Formerly every requirement of the Bombay Army contained mere than four hundred
Parwaries at least but now to their greatest misfortune it is most difficult to find a requirement
containing even eighty Parwaries nearly.
4. They were appointed as clerks or peons in offices although they know very little at
that time but now although they are well educated they are appointed neither as a hand nor a
peon in any Offices or Court.
5. Formerly about all the regiments this presidency had a School Master Parwari by
caste but now it is strictly forbidden that they might be appointed as School Master or
enlisted as School Masters and for this they consider themselves the most unfortunate people
in this world.
6. Formerly as the Government were in need of men to fight to acquire territory for
them they enlisted them in the Army at that time and did not call them men from uneffective
caste, but supported them as their children and gave them every kind of hope for their
promotion and every good position in the Army. They took every possible care to get them
educated and learned but now they on the contrary are hated by the present Government and
this is one of their greatest misfortunes.
7. At the time of Afghan war several men from the caste of Parwari were forced to join
the Army in the battle field in the capacity of Dooly-bearer and (page 224) Drivers. They were
practised oppression on to join the Army as Sepoys at that time, but it is about fifteen years
since that it is not allowed that men from this caste may be promoted to high ranks or enlisted
in the Regiments of the Bombay Army. It is unfortunate enough for them that they are enlisted
under the sanction of the Commander-in-Chief as bandsmen.
8. Recruit boys who are strong and tall and discharged from the service if they wont
learn to play any Musical Instrument.
9. Boys who may be under the height standard are discharged although they may be
well educated and can carry out the work of Regimental offices or School-Masters. But the
Boys from the Castes of Marathas and Mussalmans are not so dealt with although they may
be under the standard size even.
10. If boys may be enlisted as a Recruit boys and attain the age of eighteen years and
wish to be Sepoys the Commanding Officers of their Regiments express the greatest sorrow
that they are not able to transfer them to ranks only because Mahars or Parwaries are not
allowed to be enlisted.
11. Thousands of Parwaries whose fathers have left their homes for the services of the
Government are not being allowed to enter the regiments in the ranks of sepoys are to perish
for the want of food for they have neither lands to cultivate nor they allowed to be engaged in
any Office or Court as peon or clerk or in any position even.
12. List of men who died in the battle-fields will show if it will please your Excellency to
(page 225) look at it that a far greater number of men from the caste of the Parwari lost their
lives. Certainly they were never troublesome to the present and brave and kind British
Government nor they even did disobey the laws and Regulations framed by the ever
Government of India.
13. They were never found guilty of any riotous act or of anything against law. They in
the case of any riotous act tried their utmost, every moment, to assist the Government in
quelling the riot and catching out the persons who tried to do that troublesome act. In the
riots of Bombay the Mahars in the Marine Battalion exhausted every means in their power to
put down the riots, and for this it is heard that a Government Gazette has been published that
they should be engaged in Police.
14. In the year 1857 the purdeshis raised a mutiny for they thought that the Cartridges
were greased with cowfat, but. the Mahars, persons obedient to their superiors, did not do
that way but on the other hand they exerted their power in quelling the mutiny. For this act it is
known to all. that hundreds of purdeshies were, hanged at a time but the Mahars were
granted with high positions by the Government. They think it is very unfortunate for them that
they are not favoured by the Government although they have assisted the Government as
much as it lay in the power of the parwaries in the time of need. Further begs to write that
Government have been beating them like goats i.e. a man keeps a got, feeds it, and when it
grows fat (page 226) the master of it cults it down. So the Government also supported the
Mahars in every manner and when they are ready to offer their services which the Government
may kindly be pleased to accept, them at their lands, won't accept them viz. they won't allow
them to be engaged in the Army. or
If a beggar asks, the alms of a gentleman who places something before the beggar
but when the beggar proceeds to take it the gentleman takes the thing back from him and
give a rap in his cheek in the like manner they have been being treated by the Government.
It has lately taken place, that the officer Commanding 10th Regiment Bombay Light
Infantry recommended two Boys, namely, Babnak Ittnak and Vishramnak Sadnak, for their
being instructed as school master but the superintendent of Schools of Bombay Army asked
the Adjutant General of the Army if he would take any objection if the boys were to be trained
as school masters. And he said in return that it was not desirable that the men of this class
should be instructed as school masters, and certainly this is very lamentably that the scale of
the fortune of Parwaries have turned and this is why the Government are unfavourable to
them. In the Battle of Koregaon hundreds of Patwari officers were died (dead) and now their
children are obliged to beg for their maintenance. They (were) in the (impression) that their
children might be well treated by Government bled for them but very sorry that their children
are not so dealt with but the Marathas who were on hostile terms with Government at that
time are favoured greatly. As (page 227) they cannot get employment they are dying for
food. As they joined the Army of British Government and fought against the Native Kings, the
Marathas who composed the Army of the kings got angry with them and now they do not
allow them to have their access in any Department or Army for they joined the Army of British
Government and did not join their Army, and as the Marathas are appointed clerks, etc., they
induce the British officers and every officer not to employ the Parwaries even as peons and
thus they are brought down in every respect as far as can be traced there were some one or
two hundred men from this caste promoted from the year 1857 to Commissioned officers and
no doubt before that year there were many men who were promoted to the ranks of
Commissioned officers a small list is here with attached for Your Excellencys information but
now they are not allowed even to be enlisted in that Army. They have no hope that they will
see their better days.
After all they beg to write that they are at the bottom of the wheel and beg to take
them up and for that act of kindness they with all their families shall ever pray. They solicit the
favour of Your Excellencys kindly allowing them to turn to Civil Department.
1. Every duty relating to villages is to be carried out by the Mahars or Parwaries.
2. From the day on which the Government have landed in India the Mahars or (page
228) Parwaries have been serving them as Beggari Palkiwala, Butler, Ramoshi, Syce, etc.
They accompanied them although they had no means with them to save themselves from the
enemy of Government, into several battle fields without thinking of their momentary life with
the hope that if they would assist the Government in their times of need they would be favoured by the Government in their times of prosperity.
Day and night they are busy in performing their duties to Villages and Government.
One Mahar and one Taral (a man who performs the duties of Taralki called so) are detailed
for the Guard of a Village. For service to Government eight Mahars are detailed daily.
If a Mamlatdar visit any village 16 Mahars are detailed to attend him and if any
Collector visits the same double of the number of the Mahars attending the Mamlatdar are
detailed to serve the Collector. If a vaccinating Doctor visit any village on inspection duty he is
to be attended to by eight Mahars; besides these they have many duties relating to their
villages to perform. This shows that, every duty and work is to be done by the Mahars without
getting anything for their maintainance (maintenance).
They have to carry out these works without thinking of their lives.
3. If a Collector or Mamlatdar were to reach any village at midnight on visit or on any
duty, the Mahars, the only people in the village, who have to attend them, must (page 229)
without any hesitation, although they may be ill or enjoying the wordly happiness and sexual
pleasure with their young wives, one of the dearest things in the world, or their parents or
some other relatives or the dearest and lies on this earth may be dangerously ill and on the
point of death they must not think, a little, of them but attend their duties.
They do not care that their/ young wives may be induced by some naughty persons,
with a bad view in mind,to leave their husbands house. This shows how careful, obedient
and honest they are in carrying their duties out, yet they are not favoured and will (be) treated
by the Government either in Military or Civil Department.
4. On any kind of urgent business they are to be detailed for they are Mahars. They
also do not hesitate to carry it out, come what may. They never think that they would be killed
on their way to the place to which they have to travel on that urgent business.
5. As they have to do the services of the village they are to get Baiten Paden and
Madhen from the villagers. They have Sanads written by Former Mohomedan Emperors in
India. The(y) also raised the Mahars to high positions in their courts for they did their work
honestly and trustfully and now also they are doing that way. It is a custom of long standing
that they should be given the above things by the villagers.
5A. As Padhen, Madhen and Baithen could not answer the purpose of the Mahars
property the Emperors granted them Divan Baiten which also given to Mahars by all the
villagers till many years but it is nearly ten or twelve years since the villagers do not give
respects to the customs which are prevailed and of (page 230) long standing. This ventures
to show that Mahars have to do their duties to the villages which they live without getting any
thing to live on.
5B. Formerly no land taxes were levied on the Mahars for they were honest servants to
old Mohamedan Emperors but now they and all the Inamdars have to pay one-fourth of the
product of the land they cultivate as tax. Thus it is evident that they get no Baiten Paden and
Madhen and have to pay taxes and to do the services to villages and Government for nothing.
6. Once, in the times of Mohomedan Emperors, it happened that Akbar Badshah was
fallen in love with a widow of some Mussalman Emperor. She was anxious to see him in a
lonely place to have some sexual pleasure enjoyed with Akbar Badshah but she had no
means to do so for she was carefully guarded by her nobles according to her late husbands
orders to the nobles. Akbar Badshah determined to bring her to his city. For this purpose he
caused to be tom-tomed that he who would go and bring the widow would be highly
rewarded. At this Mahars the faithful servants to their Government, and now also they are
promised to do it.
At this Badshah was very glad and he ordered them to undertake the work. On the
day previous to their departure for the city in which the widow was living, they went to Akbar
Badshah and requested him to keep a box in which they said that they had their money.
Akbar Badshah complied with their request. They went to the city where the widow was living
and brought her to the Badshah. The distance between the widows (page 231) and
Badshahs cities took the Mahars two years nearly to go and bring the widow. When the
widow was brought to Akbar Badshahs city he suspected that the Mahars might have
treated the widow bad way (i.e. there might have sexual intercourse between the widow and
the Mahars). He ordered the Mahars to be hanged up at once. At this they asked the reasons
of their being thus treated. Akbar Badshah said that if a man sees a woman he tries to swerve
her from the right path in no time then it is doubtless that they might have treated her
accordingly. At this the Mahars begged him to order that their box may be brought to the
court and opened. This was done at once. When the box was opened he found to his
greatest amazement their one of the limbs which tends the man to sexual pleasure with them
and granted them Paden, Madhen, Baiten and Divan Baiten as heridetory (hereditary) rewards. This shows how honest and trustworthy they are.
7. In Military Department a treasure chest is guarded by an escort but on Civil
Department that is not the case. Only the whose turn it is to carry the money of taxes (Land
rev.) carry it on his shoulders to the city or village where the court of Mamlatdar may stand.
Thus it seems that they care a bit of their lives but carry out their duties honestly. A man who
has got money but not guarded is sure to be killed by thieves.
8. Formerly Governments of Bombay and India were respecting the rights of Mahars
and treating and pleasing them like their own children, and forced the subjects to respect the
Rights (page 232) of the Mahars. But it is nearly ten or twelve years since they are not taken
care at all by both the Governments for which they think themselves the most ill-luckiest
fellows in the world and do not know what kind of fault they are found with by the
Governments.
9. They implore Your Excellency that they may be taken pity on and given a proper
decision and favoured as they were done formerly, during the period not later than three
months.
Subjects may be most kindly ordered to give Baiten Paden, Madhen and Diven Bailen
they may be engaged in every Department both the Civil and Military, in this Presidency and
India...
If they were not fortunate enough to be granted with the requests mentioned in this
humble petition they think they will have no power in them to do their services to Government
for they get neither, Baiten, Paden, Madhen nor any Employment in any Department, and
when they have nothing to live on, their death is certain.
9A. They beg that either they may be treated as they were done formerly during the
periods not later than six months or put at once to death at Your Excellencys hand and
relieved from the further pain and destruction which is certain like the death.
All the Mahars in the world with their families are day and night praying to God to bring
every kind of success and blessing upon Her Most Exalted Majesty the Queen ofEngland
Empress of India and to make Her Majesty the Sole Empress of the world for they have been
(page 233) protected and saved from every difficulty oppression in her Majestys Kingdom.
They pray to Your Excellency that they be enlisted in the Army raised to high ranks
(Reg. H) given places in offices, appointed in every department as dpothecary (daftarkari?)
as the case was formerly, and they requested that they may be allowed to have their access
in every Government school.
Signatures of all the petitioners are herewith submitted.
Beg to request that the reply may be directed to the address of Shivram Govind
Waikar Master Saddar Bazaar,Biggarkhata, Satara?
For this act of kindness and benevolence all the Mahars under Your Excellencys kind
control shall ever pray to God for Your Excellencys long and happy life and to bring every
kind of success and highest positions upon Yours Excellency.
Beg to remain,
Patron of the Mahars andpoor,
Your Excellencys Most Obedient and
humble petitioners.
Satara,
Shivram Govind Waiker Master.
21st June 1894.
Page 234).
List of Native officers in the caste (s) of Parwari from the year1857.
Rank and Names
1st Grs. BOMBAY INF.
1.
Subedar Ragnak Mhadnak
2.
Jamdr. Sadanak Kamalnak
3.
Jamdr. Vittnak Gannak
4.
Jamdr. Mownak Nownak

2nd Grs. P.W.D.
5.
Sub.M. Dhamamnak Subnak
6.
Subedar Ittnak Gannak
7.
Subedar Bhagnnak Gannak
8.
Subedar Soknak Malnak
9.
Subedar Changnak Ramnak
10.
Jamdr. Bhagnak Ittnak
11.
Jamdr. Harnak Bhalnak
12.
Jamdr. Bhagnak Gangnak
13.
Jamdr. Ittnak Dhondnak
14.
Jamdr. Sakarnak Maniknak
15.
Jamdr. Sewnak Gangnak

4th BOMBAY RIFLES
16.
Subedar Sewnak Pandnak
17.
Subedar Sudaknak Ramnak
18.
Subedar Balnak Subarnak
19.
Subedar Cootanak Doonnak
20.
Subedar Gangnak Ratannak
21.
Subedar Kootnak Dharmanak
22.
Jamdr. Gangnak Roopnak
23.
Jamdr. Sewnak Changnak
24,
Jamdr. Mannak Gannak

5th BOMBAY L.I.
25.
26.
Jamdr. Har Sewnak

6th BOMBAY INFANTRY
27.
Sub-Maj. Chanknak Ramnak
28.
Subedar Ramnak Mhadnak
29.
Subedar Jamnak Ramnak
30.
Subedar Dharamak Ramnak
31.
Subedar Satnak Namnak
32.
Subedar Kedarnak Ramnak
33.
Jamdr. Ragnak Ramnak
34.
Jamdr. Lakhnak Ramnak

7th BOMBAY INFANTRY
35.
Subedar Ramnak Malnak
36.
Jamdr. Governak Dadnak
37.
Jamdr. Ittnak Dewnak

8th BOMBAY INFANTRY
38.
Sub-Maj. Ittnak Kalnak
39.
Subedar Dhasnak Kalnak
40.
Subedar Dharmnak Ittnak
41.
Subedar Gondnak Ittnak
42.
Subedar Gondnak Yemnak
43.

9th BOMBAY INFANTRY
44.
Sub-Maj. Ittnak Bhicknak
45.
Subedar Changnak Sonnak
46.
Jamdr. Changnak Godnak
47.
Jamdr. Lokhnak Bhimnak

10th BOMBAY INFANTRY
48.
Subedar Sonnak Gangnak
49.
Subedar Lakhnak Isnak
50.
Subedar Pandnak
51.
Jamdr. Sujjannak Etnak
52.
Jamdr. Mayanak(Page 236)

53.
Subedar Kasnak Bhiknak
54.
Subedar Kasnak Dhondnak
55.
Jamdr. Satnak Ragnak

56.
Sub-Major Gangnak Sajannak
57.
Jamdr. Ramnak Lakhnak
58.
Jamdr. Changnak Sonnak
59.
Jamdr. Haulnak Ittnak
60.
Jamdr. Kasnak Ittnak

61.
Subedar Dharamnak Dewnak
62.
Subedar Ratanak Bhannak
63.
Jamdr. Bhiknak Yesnak
64.
Jamdr. Ramnak Harnak

65.
Subedar Saknak Somnak
66.
Jamdr. Lakhnak Sonnak

67.
Subedar Bh (a) gnak Kalnak
68.
Jamdr. Dharmnak Gannak
69.
Jamdr. Babnak Bhaunak

70.
Jamdr. Ramnak Ittnak

71.
Subedar Bhiknak Jannak
72.
Subedar Gondnak Mannak
73.
Subedar Lakhanak Gangnak
74.
Subedar Gondnak Gangnak
75.
Subedar Ittnak Roopnak
76.
Jamdr. Gangnak Balnak
77.
Jamdr. Bapnak Bhiknak
78.
Jamdr. Babnak Changnak

79.
Subedar Gangnak Mongnak
80.
Jamdr. Bhiknak Gosnak

81.
Subedar Krishnak Bapnak
82.
Subedar Ragnak Nannak
83.
Subedar Saknak Namnak
84.
Subedar Ramnak Gangnak
85.
Subedar Ittnak Masnak
86.
Subedar Governak Kalnak
87.
Subedar Gangnak Krishnak
88.
Jamdr. Annak Saknak
89.
Jamdr. Bhagnak Ramnak
90.
Jamdr. Pandnak Yednak

91.
Sub-Maj. Ramnak Changnak
92.
Subedar Babnak Bhivnak

21st BOMBAY INFANTRY
93.
Subedar Sudaknak Kamalnak
94.
Subedar Ittnak Gangnak
95.
Subedar Fooknak Jewnak
96.
Subedar Jayanak Harnak
97.
Subedar Tannak Gannak
98.
Subedar Doolabnak Sonnak
99.
Jamdr. Ramnak Babnak
100.
Jamdr. Soodaknak Bhagnak
101.
Jamdr. Babnak Ramnak
102.
Jamdr. Ramnak Babnak
103.
Jamdr. Devnak Gandnak(Page 236)

22nd BOMBAY INFANTRY
104.
Jamdr. Godnak Ramnak
105.
Jamdr. Goornak Gandnak

106.
Jamdr. Synak Sownak
107.
Jamdr. Ramnak Dadnak

108.
Sub-Maj. Lakhnak Sutnak
109.
Jamdr. Ragnak Malnak
110.
Jamdr. Lakhnak Dewnak

111.
Subedar Mamnak Yesnak
112.
Jamdr. Bhamnak Ramnak

113.
Subedar Governak Kannak
114.
Subedar Ramnak Doolnak
115.
Subedar Ramnak Dhondnak
116.
Jamdr. Dharamnak Ittnak

HOR. MIS. GUN ARTILLERY
117.
Subedar Ramnak Sonnak(Page 237)

Page 237
Mark X of Sidu Walad Yesu
Village Wai
-do-
Bhagwata Wahad Daji
-do-
-do-
Samthoo w.d. Takhnak
Village Karad
-do-
Nama w.d. Pirnak
-do-
-do-
Pira w.d. Natha Village Nemisar,
Tal. Khataw
-do-
Krishna w.d. Rama
-do-
-do-
Ramu w.d. Kalu
Village Koregaon
-do-
Sadu w.d. Yessoo
-do-
-do-
Bhiwa w.d. Dharma
Taluka-Koregaon
-do-
Sadoo w.d. Dadoo
-do-
-do-
Sadu w.d. Satu
Kasbe Tarale, Tol. Patan
-do-
Navaloo w.d. Vitto
-do-
-do-
Keru w.d. Kondi
Village Umraz, Tal. Karad
-do-
Joti w.d. Navaloo
-do-
-do-
Nama w.d. Mahadu
-do-
-do-
Nilu Sadu
-do-
-do-
Kalu Gangoo
Village Pali, Tal. Karad
-do-
Dhondi Bhavani
-do-
Joti Shiva
-do-
Naru Bapu
-do-
-do-
Shiva Joti
-do-
-do-
Laku Rama
-do-
Davalata Vittoo
-do-
-do-
Lakhu Limba
-do-
-do-
Genoo Joti
-do-
-do-
Bayaji Ketroo
-do-
Tatia Joti
-do-
Kondi Laxman
-do-
Shiva Hari
-do-
-do-
-do-
Ranoo Shaikoo
-do-
-do-
-do-
Savala Ravaji
-do-
-do-
-do-
Bapu-Janak
-do-
Bhau Rama
-do-
Hanmanta Kusa
-do-
Satu Mhadoo
-doVillage Wadgaon, Tal. Karad
Village Patkal, Tal. Satara
Vil. Kadve Budruk, Tal. Patan

-do-
-do-
Vil. Asangaon, Tal. Satara
Village Kumthe, Taluka Satara

-do-
-do-
Village Nivade, Taluka Patan

-do-
-do-
-do-
Govind Khandoo
Village Jehe, Taluka Satara
-do-
Kondu Samboo
-do-
-do-
-do-
Mari Jooka
-do-
-do-
-do-
Koosa Rama
-do-
-do-
-do-
Gopal Malnak
-do-
Kedari Koosa
-do-
Kondi. Bhawani
Satara
-do-
Mari-Bapu
-do-
-do-
Sakharam Nama
Vil. Kerali, Tal. Khanapur
-do-
Pira Naba
Vil. Wangi, Tal. Khanapur
-do-
Narsoo Khandoo
-do-
Satu Avaji
-do-
Mania Bapu
-do-
Vittoo Rama
Village Warne. Tal. Satara
-do-
Ganoo Soobhana
Vil. Koosawade, Tal. Satara
-do-
Sidu Manaji
Village Khed, Tal. Satara
-do-
Krishna Avaji
-do-
Maloo Manaji
-do-
Lakhuran Limba
Vil. Devokgurh, Tal. Patan

-do-
-do-
-do-
-do-
Vil. Arale, Tal. Satara

-do-
-do-
-do-
Village Mandve. Tal. Satara

-do-
-do-
Mark X of Krishna Laksman

-do-
Ravaji Joti
-do-
Pandu Seti
Village Shendur, Tal. Wai

Village Kumh, Tal. Koregaon
-do--do-
For the above petitioners,

Shivram Govind Waiker
Master Mukhtiar Vakil
Zilla Satara, (Page 239)
(Rev. Deptt. Vol. 77/1895, Pages 237-239.
Satara 14th Dec. 1894.
To
His Excellency the Right Honorable Governor of Bombay in Council
May it please Your Excellencys Lordship.
We the undersigned beg most humbly to lay the following few lines with a request that
they will reach YOURExcellencys kind and favourable consideration.
(I) That we had sent an application on the 21st June 1894, and it was received by Your
Excellencys Head Clerk D. J. Leas on the 22nd June 1894, with the request that Your
Excellency will be graciously pleased to make arrangements and give sanction for the
enlistment of Parwaries or Mahar in every Regiment and their being appointed in every
department as others are dealt with.
2.And that an order may be issued that we may be given Baiten, Balotey, Paden (page 243)
and Madhen by the Villagers.
II. We had at the same time entreated that Your Excellency will be pleased to grant our
request within a period of three months, but alas, to our greatest misfortune, we are not up to
present moment granted our request. The period expired in September last and two months
more even elapsed but no hope of getting an answer.
III. We are crying every day for employment whats the use? We are dying, dying for want of
food, to obtain which we had been able if we had any employments or land, which we have,
now, but scanty and some of us have no even.
IV.Alas! We see our neighbour the men from other castes, higher than our one, prosper as
we were doing formerly but now our destiny failed us and made us to perish for the want of
food.
V.We beg that Your Excellency will be graciously pleased to give sanction for our access in
every department and Bombay Presidency as soon as possible and save us from every
Regiment of Infantry, Cavalry and Artillery in the dying (page 244).
VI.We prefer immediate death to this kink of misfortune, sufferings etc.
VII.We thank very much that Government was favourable to us in every parts, but, sorry do
not know what was made them unfavourable to us now.
VIII.We beg that Your Excellency will be graciously pleased to move the Govt, of India in this
matter but in the meantime in order to save us from this misfortune. Your Excellency were
pleased to make necessary but immediate specific arrangements.
IX.We beg, to entreat the favour of Your Excellencys kindly replying this petition at Your
Excellency's earliest Convenience if possible.
X.In conclusion (we) beg to entreat Your Excellency that if the grant of Mahars or Parwaries
access in the Bombay Army is in Power of His Excellency the Right Honorable Governor
General of India. Your Excellency will be highly pleased to permit us to address the Govt. of
India on the same subject. We beg Your Excellency will be pleased to reply this within a
fortnight, for the Mahars are anxious to get themselves rid of (page 246) distruction which is
to come on them. We beg to entreat that Your Excellency will be pleased to direct the answer
to ShivramGovind Waikar Master, C/o Kushabai Bigar Khata. Sardar Bazar, Satara.
We beg lo end this petition with an entreaty that Your Excellency will be pleased to
forgive us for this trouble.
Pray, to remain our Lord,
Our Lord's Obedient Servants,
The mark of and signatures of petitioners.
(In Modi Script)
1. Nishani Sautu Abaji Mahar
Yanche Hatcha Ase (Modi).
2. Nishani Janu Kalu Mahar

3. Nishani Sidu Venkat Mahar
4. Nishani Sadu Jana Mahar
5. Shivaram Govind Waikar Master (English),
(page 246).
(Rev. Dept., Vol. 77 of 1895 pages 243-246).
To
His Excellency the Right Honorable Governor
in Council Bombay.
The Mahars in the Satara District.
Most humbly sheweth (servents).
That we sent petitions to Your Excellency on the 26th June 1894 and a reminder to that
on 14th December 1894.
In those petitions we prayed to Your Excellency that orders to all concerned may be
given to enlist Parwaries in the army and employ them in all Departments but to our greatest
misfortune.We did not receive any answer to them.
2. Although it was published in the Proclamation by the Queen in Council to the
Princes Chiefs and People of India:
Firmly relying ourselves on the truth of Christianity, and acknowledging with gratitude
the solace of Religion. We disclaim alike the right and the desire to impose Our Conviction on
any of our Subjects. We declare it to be out Royal will and Pleasure that none be in anytime
favoured, none molested or disquieted, by reason of their religious faith or observances, but
that all shall alike enjoy the equal and impartial protection of the Law and We do strictly
charge and enjoin all those who may be in authority under Us, that they abstain from all
interference with the Religious Beliefs or Worship of any of our subjects, on pain of our
highest displeasure.
And it is Our further will that so far as may be, Our Subjects, of whatever Race or
Creed, be freely and impartially admitted to offices (page 259) in Our Service, the duties of
which they may be qualified, by their education ability, and integrity, duty to discharge.
And although they helped the Government and their forefathers bled in acquiring the
Kingdom in India. Yet they do not know why they are not entitled in the Army and Employed in
all Departments.
We beg that Your Excellency will be pleased to reply their petitions within a fortnight
and if Your Excellency is not pleased to do any thing will Your Excellency be pleased to kindly
return their petitions?
If Your Excellency is not pleased to give reply to them within a fortnight we beg to
inform Your Excellency that we will pray to the Government of India on this subject for we
(are) dying for the want of food which we cannot get unless we are enlisted in the Army and
employed in all Departments as others are dealt with.
Will Your Excellency kindly direct reply to ShivaramGovind Wakil Waikar Master C/o
Koosabai, Sardar Bazar Satara Begar Khata near Mahalaxmi Temple.
For this they shall ever pray to God for Your Excellencys prosperity and long and
happy life (page 260) Etc.
(24 Sattara.
24th January 1895 Rev. Depts., Po077 $ 1895 pages 259-261).
() , .
:Petitions: Complaints of Mahars regarding their enlistment in the Army.
No. 2439
Revenue Department,
Bombay Castle, 26th March 1895.
Petition from Shivaram Govind Waikar Master and others, Mahars or Parwaries of the
Konkan and Deccan, dated 21st June 1894 Praying for reasons given (1) that the rayats
may be compelled to give them certain perquisites which were formerly enjoyed by them, but
were subsequently discontinued, and (2) that they may be allowed to enlist in the Native
Army.
Petition from Shivram Govind Waikar Master and Others, Mahars of the Deccan,
dated 14th December 1894.
Memorandum from the Military Department of the Secretariat, No. 174-A.G., dated
19th February 1895 Retransferring the papers together with a report No. 1993-1236, dated
11th idem, from the Adjutant General.
RESOLUTION The petitioners should be informed that as the Government of India have
decided that men of their castes are no longer to be recruited for the Native Army, this
Government are unable to interefere on their behalf or to comply with their requests. Any
grievances which they may have in respect of the non-receipt by them of any perquisites to
which they may be entitled by custom in their villages should be brought to the notice of the
local officers.
Sd|Chief Secretary to Government.
To
The Commr, C. D.,
The Collector of Satara,
The Adjutant General,
The Petitioners (by memorandum).
(Rev. Dept. Pol. 77 1895 page 273).
Petitions
Complaint regarding the
exclusion
from the Native Army of certain
so-called low caste Hindus.
General Department No. 3414
Bombay Castle,
17th August 1895.
Memorandum from the Revenue Department, No. 5519, dated 22nd July 1895
Transfer a petition Gangnak Sanjnak and others Chairman and Members, &c, of the
Anarya Doshpariharak Mandali, held at Dapoli in the Ratnagiri District, dated 11th April 1895,
praying with reference to the sanctioned scheme for the re-organization of the Bombay Army
that in consideration of the past services rendered by men of their castes Government will see
that they are not denied the privilege of enlisting in the Army. Transfers also-a report by the
commissioner, S.D., No. 2373, dated 29th June 1895, with accompaniments offering remarks
with reference to the petition.
Resolution.The following letter to be addressed to the Secretary to the Government
of India, Military Department:
1. I am directed to forward, for the consideration and orders of His Excellency the
Governor General in Council, the accompanying petition on the subject of the exclusion from
the army of men of the so-called low castes. A petition on the subject herewith also
appended was previously madeto this Government on behalf of the persons of the Mahar and
cognate castes in the Satar, but as it was ascertained that the Government of India had
decided that men of these castes should no longer be recruited for the Native Army, the
petitioners were informed that this Government were unable to interfere on their behalf. It
appears, however, to His Excellency the Governor in Council on further consideration, that
there is a serious economic side to the question, and I am desired to communicate the
following remarks with regard to it.
2. A reference to page 1340 of the supplement to the Gazette of India of 1888 will
show that the Ratnagiri District, from which the latter petition comes, is generally very infertile
and is overpopulated. A considerable proportion of the inhabitants are very poor, and some
are unable to earn enough for proper sustenance. The pressure is greatest on these so-called
low castes. Now the Army was one of the few careers upon to enterprising men of these
classes, and the sudden exclusion of them from it is calculated to inflict a substantial hardship
and to give rise to discontent. These remarks are especially applicable to the Ratnagiri
District, but are also applicable to the Satara and other districts. I am to add that many
pensioned officers of the Mahar and cognate castes have cherished the hope of seeing their
sons in their old regiments, and the disappointment caused to them must be severe.
3. This Government will leave it to the Government of India to decide whether the
reasons for prohibiting the enlistment of men of the Mahar and other low castes are.
sufficiently strong to outweigh the economic consideration in favour of the employment of
members of these castes It is however, the Governor in Council believes becoming yearly
mere difficult to obtain recruits in this Presidency from the better Classes of Mahrattas and
Musalmans, who in the days of Native rule, constituted the principal elements in the forces of
the Native Chiefs. In respect of physique and powers of endurance the men of the low castes,
such asMahars, Mangs and Ramoshis, are as a rule superior to, whilst, in regard to mere
pluck and courage, they are atleast the equals of, the bulk of the men of better caste and
higher social status, and their loyalty and devotion are unquestioned and have been
established incontestably in many historical instances. An admixture of these low caste men
in at least some Infantry regiments would appear to be for various reasons distinctly (page
15) advisable. It is understood that the Marine Battalion of Bombay was, when at its best,
mainly composed of such men, and many members of these Classes have by good service
risen to the higher rank of Native officers.
SdSecretary to Government.
To.
The Commissioner, S.D.,
The Collector of Ratnagiri,
The Deputy Adjuttant General, Bombay Command,
The Commissioner, C.D.,
The Secretary to Government,
Revenue Department,
(with compilation No. 831 of 1895)
The Petitioners (by memorandum)
(Vol. 77/1896, Rev. Dept., pages 15-16).
Resolution No. 4904, dated 4th November 1896,
letter from the Secretary to the
Government of India No. 2463-B, dated 13th October 1896, Organization NativeArmy,
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disbandment, as no place in the post-war army could be found for a single class battalion;
especially such a young battalion on untried under a modern war conditions. The Mahar MG
Regiment, page. 10), [Colonel Major General S.P.P. Thorat DSO]

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(Extracts from correspondence on Mahar Battalion).
Farewell message of the Commandant Zhob Forces, wherein the 111th Mahars were
serving :
Head Quarters, Zhob. Zoralai, No. 23/49/Z.O.
Dated, at Zoralai, 7th October 1920.
On the departure of the 111th Mahars from Zhob Forces, the Commandant, Zhob,
wishes to thank Lieut. Colonel Dyke, the British and Indian Officers, N.C.O.s and men of the
Battalion for the good work they have done during the time they formed part of the Zhob
Force.
It is entirely due to the energy and hard-work 111th Mahars that the Murgha-Lakaband
Sector has become a model Sector the Harnai Fort, Sandeman line.
Although frontier conditions were at the outset strange to the personnel of the
Battalion, officers and men quickly adapted themselves to their new surroundings and by their
determination and hard work rapidly assimilated the Special training requisite for Mountain
Warfare.
The Lakaband Column has during the past summer been of the greatest value to Zhob
Force safeguarding the raiders routes from Zhob towards Murgha and Musa Khel. This
detachment has made for itself a name in the Lakaband are a where the inhabitants have
learnt to show the greatest respect of the 111th Mahars.
The attitude of a small picketting party suddenly attacked near Zorazai showed that
the Regiment is imbued with the spirit of the offensive.
The Commandant, Zhob, bids farewell to the Mahars with regret at their leaving his
Command and wishes all ranks God speed and the best of luck in Mesopotemia.
Sd| - W. W. Brindley, Captain.
Letter, No. 23/50/Z.O., dated 7th October 1920, from the Commanding Head
Quarters, Zhob, Zorarai to the General Staff, 2nd Indian Division, Quetta.
On the departure of the 111th Mahars from Zhob, I wish to bring forward to the notice
of the G. O. C., 2nd Indian Division, the excellent behaviour of this Battalion.
The Battalion has suddenly brought from the peaceful life of down country station to
the semi-war condition of the Indian Borderland. All ranks have shown the greatest energy
and determination to assimilate frontier conditions.
The Battalion has proved itself imbued with the proper offensive spirit by the single
instance when a weak detachment proceeding enroute picketting (picquetting) duty was
suddenly attached by outlaws. The N. C. O. in charge immediately fixed bayonets, charged
an routed their assaultants who were numerically superior to them. The Battalion seized every
opportunity to make itself really efficient fighting Unit and benefitted much by forming its one
Mountain Warfare school at Lakaband.
The 111th Mahars have improved the Lakaband-Murgha Sector very much. The posts
are now clear, comfortable and securely wired, Murgha Post and surroundings are now clean
and complete with facilities for the training and comforts of soldiers (e.g. Musketry, Range,
Bothing Pool, etc.) which have been construed entirely by the Battalion.
The excellent marching power of the battalion has been shown by the frequent
operations carried out by the Lakaband column by day and by night. The good state of
discipline is evident from the behaviour of the smallest detachment along the road.
I am indebted to Lieut. Colonel Dyke, Captain Grant M.C. and Lieut. Boyce, M.C.,
M.M., for the way in which they have worked and made the Battalion into a good fighting Unit
which has, during its tour in Zhob turned the attitude of the inhabitants from what at the
outset was bordering on contempt into, as it is now, one of deep respect.
Sd |- D. Baird, Colonel
Commanding Zhob.
Letter, No. 353/8-G.S., dated 26th October 1920, from G.O.C. 2nd Indian Division,
to the General of the Staff, Poona, Distt. No. 11965|10|G of 1-11-1920.
I have great pleasure in forwarding a report by the Commandant : Zhob, the excellent
behaviour of the 111th Mahars while servicing under my Command.
I had opportunity while touring recently in the Zhob of testing thoroughly, the
possibilities of this Battalion and fully endorse all the Colonel Baird says of their soldierly spirit
and high standard of military efficiency.
The three officers mentioned by Colonel Baird have done sterling work, both which in
Zhob and in producing this satisfactory work.
Sd |- A. Campbell
Major General Commanding,
2nd Indian Division.
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According to the Officer Commanding, the Regiment has shaped well. It is free from
all political influences. It is animated by a spirit to do well so as to justify the claim of the
untouchables to respect in the eyes of other castes and it bears with it the traditions of the
memories of the 2nd Battalion of the First Regiment, afterwards the 1st Grenadiers who
fought and died for us at Koregaon in 1818. I can see nothing more calculated to uplift the low
caste Mahars than the retention of the Regiment. (Revenue Commissioner, Montfords
recommendation to Govt. of India on Mahar appeal to retain Mahar Battalion)
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. [The Mahars
have been proverbial for their loyalty to the existing Government and such a body of men can
be absolutely relied upon. (Speech of P. R. Cadel, Governor of Bombay, at Belgaum Mahar
meeting on 28-8-1922)].
-- [No. A |15369|1 (A.G.6), Army Head Quarters, India,
Adjustant Generals Branch Simla]. ,
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(The Prince of Wales Royal Indian Military College, Dehra Dun) .
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(Report of the Indian Sandhurst Committee, 1927).

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(There are no Mahars in the Indian Army now, unless they be employed as sais in the field of
artillery or as motor mechanics in the armoured car units. But an attempt was made during
the great world war to embody a battalion of such men. The response to the recruiting officer
was slow, present case as in the past who enlisted. Two companies of them were trained
alongside of two companies of Punjab Christians. They formed 71st-111th Regiment; but they
were not required on any battlefield though they attained a high standard of discipline and of
athletic efficiency. In education and physique the two wings of the regiment were unequal. It
is significant that the Army could find comradeship for the Mahars only among Christians. The
regiment was disbanded at the end of the war.
Well, may a disinterested student of Indian History ask. Why did the Bombay
regiments cease to recruit Mahars? The answer which comes most readily to mind is that
caste prejudice on the part of Maratha soldiers made it difficult to maintain discipline and
esprit de corps and commissariat efficiency in a complex modern army, if untouchables be in
the ranks. But the easy and obvious answer is not the whole truth; and the spirit of history
demands that the truth be faced.
The facing of the truth demands a retrospective of the history of the Bombay
regiments. . . . . What European Officers of the Companys service in 1796 did to Indian
officers of that time, Kings Army Officers at a later period did to the Companys officers. That
is to say, the amount of military service may have increased in India, but the amount of
understanding in the Sepoy mind did not increase; and there was dwindling number of Indian
officers who had reason to be proud of their British connection. Wise soldier-statesmen like
the friends, Sir Thomas Munrao and Sir John Malcum, both of whom began their Indian
career before they were twenty years of age, and advanced through labour and fighting from
rank to rank until they were Governors of Madras and Bombay respectively, foresaw this
trend of military officers had protested vigorously against the superseding of responsible and
honorable Indian officers. There seems to be little about that if the temper of such statesmen,
their manners and their sympathetic understanding of the mind of the Indian people, had
been copied and the Sepoy revolt of 1857 might have never been happened.
While changes were taking place in the Commissioned ranks of the India regiments,
there was going on a change in the esprit de Corps of those regiments. It has always been
the policy of officers of the Bombay regiments to have men of a number of castes in their
ranks. During the war with the Peshwa there was a marked increased in the proportion of
Rajput and Hindustani Sepoys in the Bombay regiments, and after the defeat of the Peshwa
the Bombay Army came more and more into touch with the northern regiments. In the
Hindusthani regiments the men put caste before the regiment. In the old Bombay units
soldiers belonged to a regiment rather than to caste. As the change in the character and the
experience of the officers was taking place, there was working in the Bombay regiments a
change of devotion from the corps to caste. This was almost inevitable since the war-like
classes who used to form both an army and a caste must needs find employment in Bombay
units.
Along this line of study will be found the main reason for the exclusion of Mahars from
the ranks of Bombay regiments when after 1857 the Imperial Government found it desirable for
reasons of economy and of military policy to reduce the number of Indian regiments.
Furthermore there happened in the Civil Government a process parallel to that which
occurred in the Bombay Army. The direct officer who does the real work of administration and
who knows the people because he moves among them and listens to their petitions, has
occasion to appreciate the local knowledge possessed by the Mahar and his mental
quickness. But there has been a tendency to honour the Secretariate staff more than the man
in the district. The officer who spends his days sitting at a bureau cannot be expected to see
any political power in a caste of field labourers and weavers and village messengers and
masons and roadmakers, even though they have a fine military record. One has heard over
and over again the remark that the Mahar has no political significance. The remark just prove
that the maker of it has little memory and little understanding of such events as the battle of
Koregaon. The mind which suffers from such frailties is hardly fitted to retain the empire given
to it.
But circumstances are changing rapidly in the political world, and rival communities,
Moslems, Hindus, Sikhs see in the Mahar vote something of potential value when the form of
Government is democratic.
Mahar Sepoys had not a little to do with the establishment of British dominion in India,
as Mahar servants had not a little to do with the possibility of European domestic life in India.
The British failure to remember this may not be a cause or even an occasion, but it is
manifestly a concomitant of the decline of that dominion. (The Mahar Folk, page 63-66).
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(The Rise of Indian Army, by Victor Longer, The Times of India Magazine, 26-1-1969, page
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(. . . . . . Upto 1892 practically whole of the Madras Army and the whole of the Bombay Army
consisted of members drawn from the Depressed Classes. All the great wars in the history of
India has been fought with the help of sepoys drawn from the Depressed Classes, both in
Bombay Presidency and in Madras. Yet in 1892, a rule or regulation was made which
debarred the Depressed Classes from entry into the military service, and even to day, if you
ask a question in the Legislative Council as to why this is done, the answer is that the bar of
untouchability does create inseparable difficulties in the recruitment of these classes, . . . . . .
. . Proceedings of Sub-Committees Vol.III (Minorities|2nd R.T. Conference page 76)
Ambedkars speech dated 1-1-1931.
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Depressed Classes and the War
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and the Harijans Young Harijan .

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Army Head Quarters, India
Adjutant General Branch
Simla, the 19th August 1939.
From : The Adjutant General India,
To
Mr. Shivram J. Kamble,
1373, Kamthipura, 6th Lane,
Camp Poona.
MEMORANDUM.
With reference to his letter, dated the 1st August 1939. addressed to the Chairman,
Indianization Committee, Mr. Shivram J. Kamble is informed that Mahars are eligible for
recruitment in the Indian Army as a sub-class of Hindus. Although there is now no separate
unit for Mahars, any unit authorised to recruit Hindus without restriction as to sub-class may
take Mahars if it wishes to do so.
2. The general recruiting policy of Army Head-quarters is, however, to prescribe the
main classes to be recruited and to leave the selection of sub-classes to the discretion of
officers commanding units. Moreover, owing to the limited size of the Indian Army, extended
recruitment of Mahars can be arranged only at the expense of some other deserving class
now serving.
In these circumstances, it is regretted that Army Head-quarters cannot take any
action to extend special facilities to Mahars in the matter of recruitment of the Indian Army.
Sd|
For Adjutant General in India.

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) :INDIA MUST SUPPORT BRITAIN
DR. AMBEDKAR ON MUTUAL DUTIES
The views that India should support Great Britain in the War is expressed by Dr. B. R.
Ambedkar, President of the Independent Labour Party, outlining the parties attitude, in the
statement to the press.
Tracing the events that led upto the war and attitude of Germany towards other
nations. Dr. Ambedkar states that, having regard to the aspirations and ambitions of the
Indian people, and having regard to the fundamental conflict between them and German
ideal, India cannot avoid taking up the challenge of Germany and showing her readiness to
vindicate her right to reach her destiny The Independent Labour Party therefore has no
hesitation in saying that this is a war which the Indian people, in their own interests should
support and held Great Britain to prosecute.
IN THE COMMONWEALTH
Referring to the attitude of certain other parties towards the war, Dr. Ambedkar
observes that so far as no one can visualise the near future, the best thing for India as to
remain within the British Commonwealth of nations and strive to achieve the status of equal
partnership therein, good long part of the road to that status has already been covered and
the part that remains is also within reach. There is no knowing what Indias fate would be
under a new master.
At the same time Dr. Ambedkar emphasises that the British have certain duties
towards India, and the first and foremost of them is to prepare Indians to defend their
country, and to introduce compulsory military training for all persons within certain age.
It is astonishing, Dr. Ambedkar adds, that Government should call Indians to become
combatants only when the war is on, and allow them to lapse into unserviceable noncombatants as soon as the war is over. There is feeling that the reason why the British do not
wish to introduce compulsory military training in India, is that they cannot trust Indians. Steps
must be taken to remove such a suspicion. Recruitment to the Standing Army must be open
to all communities.
STATUS OF DOMINITION
The second duty of the British towards India is to reassure her of the status
she is to occupy in the British Empire. The reluctance of the British Parliament to embody in
the preamble to Government of India Act, the statement that India is ultimately to occupy the
status of a Dominion has caused much heart-burning. The British must see that the doubts of
India on this point are removed as early as possible.
The Independent Labour Party supports the appeal made by His Excellency the
Viceroy to India to help Britain in the War. It agrees that this is no time for making conditions.
(The Times of India, 14-9-1939).
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Sir, His Excellency the Viceroy has made his declaration, but he has not succeeded
in enthusing any party. The Congress Working Committee has condemned it. The liberals are
also not satisfied with it. Mr. Jinnah is sitting on the fence and his party may take office, at
last in certain provinces, if and when the Congress Ministers resign.
I do not except Congress will carry on propaganda hostile to British Government in
order to create disturbances leading to breaches of peace. India can help Great Britain in two
main directions providing recruits and supplying war materials; War materials can be
purchased in any quantity and there is no dearth of any quantity and there is no dearth of
merchants who will be ready to supply the demand when there is a prospect of profit. Indian
merchants and bankers will subscribe liberally to future loans. As for recruiting, Sir Sikander
Hayat Khan has given an assurance that the Punjab, the Sword-arm of India will keep its
reputation and provide a million fighters.
Although I am not authorised to speak on behalf of the Marathas, from my knowledge
of my people I can confidently say that the Marathas who have for two thousand years
maintained their reputation as though fighters, will not lag behind when a call is made and
recruiting propaganda is vigorously carried on. His Highness the Maharaja of Kolhapur and
other Maratha Princes have clearly given a lead in this matter and the Maratha people, who
form the sward-arm of Bombay province, will not fail to respond.
In the last World-War, His late Highness Shahu Chhatrapati asked the Marathas to
partake freely of horse-flesh in order to prolong the defence of Kut and the Maratha soldiers
obeyed him. The House of the Great Shivaji is held in high veneration and the example so
nobly set by His Highness Rajaram Chhatrapati MaharajSaheb of Kolhapur will certainly be
followed by the Marathas and thousands and lakhs of Marathas will join the army.
Bombay
B. V. Jadhav.

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MARATHAS AND WAR
Sir, Mr. Jadhavs letter of immence topical importance for the side lights it throws
upon the organisation of the Marathas as a political party. We witness today the disconcerting
spectacle of a powerful community like that of the Marathas, with age-long traditions sinking
into oblivion, thanks mainly to the proverbial disunity and want of leadership If the
swordarm of the province is asked to subscribe its quota of man-power without our
leaders being able to take counsel together and consolidate our position as such on the
political as on the fighting front, our leader call for the recruitment would degenerate into an
unrigorous call to serve as common-folder. But unfortunately so selplessly disunited is our
community that even Mr. Jadhav who has represented it not only in the provincial and Central
Legislatures but also at the Round Table Conference hesitates to speak on its behalf. The old
leaders have either deserted us or else disowned by us. We are fast being absorbed by
existing political parties with the result that we have a foot in every camp but have no camp of
ours. We are owned by every political organisation but are trusted by none.
A suggestion is put that the Princes should take up the leadership. But this is calling
old tunes which are out of date in the progressive world of today. The natural leadership of
Princes has long ago disappeared. It is for the people themselves to organise and to frame
their policy. If we now fail to awake and arise we will forever be fallen. Can we not rise to the
occasion? Can we not even forget our differences and put up a united front ? Is there no
silver lining to the dark cloud of melancholy that overhangs our political existence together ? I
refuse to answer in the negative.
Mahad, October 26,
S. B. Sawant.

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MAHARAS URGED TO JOIN ARMY
Dr. AMBEDKARS APPEAL
Ratnagiri, January 29.
An appeal to Kunbis and Mahars to come forward and join the Army was made by Dr.
Ambedkar, when a number of Mahars recently enrolled as recruits came in a body last
evening to pay their respect to him as their leader.
Dr. Ambedkar expressed appreciation of their decision to enroll. Military occupation,
he said, was closed to them on account of caste prejudices, although they had rendered
good service in the past. At one time practically of the Bombay army was drawn from the
Mahars and they had fought a great many battles on the side of the British, including the
famous battle of Keregaon, when the Peshwa was defeated and the British established their
supremacy.
After the mutiny of 1857, he went on, other classes joined the Army. Their prejudices
had to be respected and the recruitment of Mahars was therefore stopped. The new recruits
had this the responsibility to regain their past position in the army. (The Times of India, 31-11940).

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-- :Readers Views; Recruitment of Mahars Sir : The Mahars have been a martial people. The
army of the East India Company which successfully fought against the army of the Peshwa
was recruited from the Mahars. The last battle between the Peshwa and the British was
fought at Koregaon in the Poona District. There is a column at Koregaon raised by the British
to commemmorate the battle. On the column are inscribed the names of the soldiers who fell
in the battle on the side of the British. Nine out of ten names are out of Mahars. The
recruitment of Mahars continued upto 1892 and in all the wars the Mahars have proved their
martial qualities. All of a sudden the recruitment of Mahars was stopped in 1892. Even since
the Mahars have nursed a grievance against the British Government for what they regarded
as very ungrateful conduct. There is much injustification for this grievances, for there can be
no doubt that without the help of the untouchables the British would never been able to
conquer India.
The Mahars carried on a great agitation against their banishment from the army. But it
bore no fruit. It was during the war of 1914 that the British Government under necessity lifted
the ban and raised the Mahar Battalion. It was raised at the fog end of the war and the
battalion had no opportunity to go on was service and show its mettle. It was posted in
Waziristan in the North-West Frontier Province, and it is on record while almost every
battalion stationed in the N.W.F. lost some rifles and ammunation to the Pathans, who are in
the habit of raiding ammunition and rifle depots to arm themselves, the Pathans did not
succeed in stealing a single rifle of a single cartridge from the Mahar battalion. It was
expected the British Government, having re-enfranchised the Mahar for military purposes,
would continue the Mahar Battalion and add to it more Mahar Battalions. But instead the
British Government on the excuse of economy, disbanded the Mahar Battalion. This caused
great bitterness in the minds of Mahars. When the present was came, the Mahars hoped that
their turn would come. But the steps taken by the British Government in the early stage of the
war only added insult to injury. The Mahars were only wanted for labour corps is safer than
the combatant ranks, but the Mahars wanted to join the combatant ranks. One of the
banalities of the British Government in India is there distinction between martial and nonmartial classes. Nothing has been more disastrous. It is a pity that so great a catastrophe as
the war was necessary to enforce the British Government to give up this senseless
distinction. It is started that Government have directed to raise a Mahar battalion. The credit
must go to H.E. The Governor of Bombay. On my making it a grievance, he took up the
matter with the Central Government and brought it to as successful issue. I appeal the
Mahars to take advantage of this opportunity both for appeal to the British Government to
keep faith with the Mahars and not to disband them from the army after the
War is over.
Bombay
(Dr.) B. R. Ambedkar
(The Times of India, 18-6-1941)
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26. At the out break of this (World-War II) war, the MAHARS immediately started
petitioning for a MAHAR unit to be raised. This petition was backed by SOUTHERN AREA
RECRUITING STAFF, specially by Colonel K. E. FRANKS, DSO, Assistant Director, of
Recruiting South several thousands of MAHARS had again by now disappeared in labour and
other units.
27. In 1940 an opportunity was given to them as special troops to ambulance units.
Two troops were thus raised and were a great success.
28. In Sept. 41 sanction was received to start the MAHAR REGIMENT. The 1st
Battalion of MAHAR REGIMENT was thus raised on 1st Oct. 41 at BELGAUM. This Bn later
moved from BELGAUM to KAMPTEE for various reasons. There are now three Bns with a
Regimental centre. The 2nd Bn was raised on 1st June 42 at KAMPTEE and the 3rd Bn was
raised at NOWSHERA in the N. W. Frontier Province on 1st Nov. 43. The training company
which formed the nucleus of the present Regimental centre was raised on 1st Oct. 1942.
29. All these Bns were war raised and as such they did not get the chance to go to the
fighting areas. Although their fighting qualities could not be tried in the World War II, the latest
events show that the MAHARS are one of the finest soldiers in the Indian Army (The MAHAR
MG Regiment, Page 11).
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(35. The part played by the Bn during its 18 months stay in Jammu and Kashmir will
go down in the History of KASHMIR operations in general and the Regiment particular. Each
coy surpasses the other in the glorious work performed in its respective theatre of operations.
More than anybody else the Infantry Bn to which the sections and platoons were attacked
remember with affection and gratitude the work MAHARS had done along with them.The
Mahar MG Regiment, page 34).

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(54. The following are the circumstances under which the gallant MAHARS laid down their
extreme devotion to duty.
Short history of some other ranks, who lost their lives in J and K operations.
(a) On 24th Dec. 47 No. 4 Platoon, Y cop was occupying the defensive positions in
JHANGAR. At about 06.00 hrs.enemy about 200 strong launched an attack on JHANGAR.
One MMG subsection commanded by Naik BARKYA KAMBLE was in position inside a
building. As the enemy was strong in number and fire power, the infantry on our side started
losing ground and were pressedback. But Naik BARKYA KAMBLE with his men stuck to their
gun positions undaunted and kept on firing their gun. The enemy had come too close and in
the absence of any opposition surrounded the house and set it on fire. The whole subsection
lost their fives but refused to surrender. The following were in the brave team:
1)NK. BARKYA KAMBLE, 2) Sep. YESHWANT KAMBLE, 3) MARUTI SARJE, 4)
GURBAL SABLE, 5) TUKARAM KAMBLE, 6) SONYA POWAR, 7) MARUTI TAMBE.
(b) In this very operation Hav. RAAOO KAMBLE, who was commanding another substation also lost his life. He had taken the place of No. 1, stuck to his position and kept
on firing his gun till his head was chopped off by the enemy.
(c) The following persons who were in the Platoon HQ. also lost their lives in this
operation. 1) Sep. SURYAJI HATE, 2) JANU TAMBE, 3) GANGARAM MOHITE, 4) KONDIBA
AKHALE and 5) SWBR BAPU LACHMAN.
55. During Dec. 47, 165 Inf. Bde advanced on CHIKOTHI and HAV. SEWAK JADHAV
with his section was detailed from the coy, to support 7th Bn. The SIKH Regiment. After
capture of CHIKOTHI, he dug a trench and took up the position. The enemy started shelling.
The position with his heavy guns and unluckily he was flatly wounded and died.' (The Mahar
MG Regiment, page 40-41).

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Officers and men of I MAHAR MG Bn. you are assembled here today on the eve of
your departure for India. You arrived in the JAMMU area at the end of Oct. 1947 and operated
throughout JAMMU and KASHMIR on various roles in support of the Infantry. Due to the
nature of the country when Machine Guns are found to be of great use. There was a great
demand on you by all the Infantry Commands with the result that you have been split up into
coys, platoons and even gun-teams throughout this wide area.
You have been taken prominent part in all the battle that have been fought, in JAMMU
and KASHMIR state and the name of your Bn will resound through the hills and valleys for a
long time to come. Whereas all other units have been relieved some time or other in forward
area during the course of the whole of these operations, your detachments have had to stay
put wherever they were in action without relief and it speaks very high for your reputation as
a fighting unit. Your men have stood the test of war and on all occasions behaved with the
highest sense of gallantry, courage and endurance.
Among you exploits special attaintion must be made of your outstanding action in
JHANGAR on 24 Dec. 47 when one of your platoons stuck to their post to the last round and
the last man, inspite of the withdrawal of this troops whom you were supporting and this
platoon continued fighting to the end. Two of the gun-teams died and the other two only
withdraw when their amunation was expended. The action will go down in the history of your
Regiment and that of the Indian army as one of the finest deeds of gallantry which have been
performed in this theatre. On the 6 Feb. 1943 you distinguished yourself in defending
NAUSHERA against overwhelming and fanatical attacks by the enemy. You literally
slaughtered the attackers and the numbers killed by your machine guns ran into thousands.
It was the end of April that your Bn less two coys formed part of this division and you
took a prominent partin all its actions. You supported the advance in May along the URICHAKOTHI road and capture of TITHWAL and finally the capture of DRAS and KARGIL. In all
these operations you established a very high reputation courage and gallantry and you
showed great endurance in the carriage and operations of your guns and equipments up and
down the colossal heights in which these operations wert carried out. I have been very proud
to have you under my command and I am very sorry that you are leaving me now, but at the
same time I am happy that after 17 months continuous fighting you are now going to have a
well earned rest and hope that every one of you would be able to get to your homes and visit
your families. I shall have the honour of commanding you again.
I wish you all the best of luck and Godspeed.
JAI HIND
(The farewell message of Major General K. S. Thimayya DSO on the eve of the
departure of the 1st Bn the MAHAR Medium Gun Regiment from JAMMU and KASHMIR to
India in May 1948 The MAHAR MG Regiment, pages 37-39, by ColonelMajor General SPP
Thorat DSO 1954, The Army Press, Dehradun).

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On 6 Feb. 1948 the enemy launched simultaneous attack on all NAUSHERA Piquets.
The MMG post on No. 7 picquet was subjected to heavy small arms fire and heavily attacked
by about twelve hundred of the enemy. The raiders advanced in mass formation from all
directions. No. 718 Naik KRISHNA SONAWANE was in command of this post and opened up
with his gun at point blank range. The raiders advanced in several waves and made series of
MAHAVIR CHAKRA
(1) No. 718 NAIK KRISHNA SONAWANE

1ST BN THE MAHAR MG REGT
attempts to assault this position. Naik KRISHNA SONAWANE maintained perfect coolness
amongst his gun tearr and continued to inflict heavy casualties. During this engagement, the
No. 1 of the gun who was operating it got wounded in the neck. Naik KRISHNA SONAWANE
took over the gun himself and continued to operate it with all the skill. When so doing, his
right hand was perforated by a full LMG burst fired at him by the enemy from a close range.
This NCO though seriously wounded and regardless of the danger to his life continued to fire
the gun with his left hand only, thus maintaining the momentum of fire at a very critical
moment when the fate of the post was in balance. The gun was later damaged beyond repair,
but this NCO kept on engaging the enemy by throwing hand granades with his left hand and
also directed his gun team to do the same. The attack was beaten off with heavy losses to the
enemy.
This NCO displayed personal courage, determination, coolness and devotion to duty
and gave out standing lead tohis men for a very strained and trying period of two hours. His
conduct was responsible for inflicting well over SEVEN HUNDRED casualties on the enemy
and that of saving a very vital position.
0
VIR CHAKRA
(2)
No. 62 HAVILDAR AMRUT GAMBRE

On 2 Nov. 48 at ZOJILA PASS, JAMMU and KASHMIR State, during the attack on
MACHHOI, he was in command of a Machine Gun Section in support of the attacking Coy.
His task was to silence enemy automatics in the hutted area, which was the chief obstacle in
front of the coy. He so efficiently engaged the enemy position. At this stage his machine guns
came under particularly heavy fire from a hidden enemy browning gun and also temporarily
stopping the advance. Although under very heavy fire, he quickly switched on to the new
target, thus enabling the coy to resume its advance.
On night 14/15 Nov. 48 at PUNIRAS during the attack BROWN HILL map ref 6958
when the attacking coy was held up by heavy enemy automatic fire, he engaged the enemy
guns effectively releasing a good deal of pressure on the Coy. His own gun positions became
a particular target of enemy mortars and browning guns, badly hitting the whole area. And
there being no alternative position nearby, he kept, on firing his guns quite unmindful of the
grave personal danger and thus helping to keep the enemy head down.
On both these occasions this NCO displayed outstanding courage, tenacity and
dauntless spirit. By his brave performance he has earned the respect of all ranks of his Bn for
his machine gun support. We shall all remember his stout hearted association for a long time.
0
VIR CHAKRA
(3) No. 687 DHONDU JADHAV

1ST BN THE MAHAR MG REGD
On the 14 Apr. 48 during the Battle of RAJOURI, he was number 2 of an MMG
attached to the Kumaon Rifles. Advancing towards Pt. 3178 (SQ 4229) the forward Coy
came under heavy automatic fire from a dominating ridge beyond. When it was decided to
send the MMG to the top of the hill, the MMG number No. 1 very cleverly built cover for the
gun on the top of the hill. Sep. DHONDU JADHAV also followed his leader and even when
very heavy fire was directed against them he never wavered.
The next morning the enemy swept the hill with fire prior to forming up for an assault.
As a result NAIK BALIRAM SALVI the MMG No. 1 was wounded in the head. Consequently,
the MMG No. 1 stopped firing momentarily. Realising the very vital role the MMG was playing
in this battle, Sep. DHONDU JADHAV gallantly lifted his leader aside and coitinued firing. At
one time it appeared as if his gun post might be over-run by the enemy, but with remarkable
tenacity this sepoy denied the enemy respite. His firing was so accurate and effective that the
enemy, eventually, gave it up as a bad job. The enemy was pounced upon by the forward
Coy and the objective captured.
This sepoy displayed the highest devotion to duty and it was a direct result of his
tenacity, courage and determination that the enemy position was captured.
0
VIR CHAKRA
(4) No. 7194 UP/L/NAIK ABA KERATKUDE

On 28 June at MACHOI MR NN 5645 (JAMMU and KASHMIR), he was MMG No. 1
on picquet MG NN 5948 Enemy put in an attack on this picquet under support two brownings
and two 3 inch mortars and reached some 600 yds of the picquet position. He was
responsible for effectively breaking up the enemy attack and causing him at least 11
casualties. Although the enemy mortars and brownings were chifly directed against him, but
he stubbornly continued firing most effectively throughout the day and did not allow the
enemy to recover his casualties.
On 29 June 48 at about 06-00 hrs.enemy 150 strong attacked a subsidiary section
picquet MR NN 5649 under support two 3 inch mortars of the picquet position and there was
a grave danger of the picquet being over-run. His effective enfilade fire on the attacking
enemy was to a great measure responsible for the holding out of this smallgarrison against
very heavy odds. The enemy now concentrated his MMGs Mortars fire to knock out this
MMG to enable him to advance further. Large number of bullets struck his bunkar and hit his
barrel casing, but this tenacious NCO kept on engaging the enemy most effectively at o
grave personal risk and fired no less than 3750 rds.
At 0915 hrs. his MMG had a stoppage, necessitating the change of a lock, which
involved his moving out to another bunkar in full view of the enemy and while so doing he was
hit by an MMG burst in the left fore arm, causing heavy bleeding. He did not allow his serious
injury to interfere with his job and got his weapon firing again quickly. The Coy Comdr told this
NCO to get back to a safer place for medical attention, but he volunteered to be allowed to
carry on saying that he had got the target well registered and could do more useful work.
Throughout two days tough engagements, this NCO displayed high skill at his
weapon, continuous courage, dogged determination and high sense of devotion to duty. He
has earned a great respect from this unit for Machine gunners.
0
VIR CHAKRA
(5) No. 666 NAlK BALIRAM SALVI

1ST BN THE MAHAR MG SEGT.
On 14 Apr. 48 during the battle of RAJOURI, he was incharge of a machine gun

attached to Kumaon Rifles. Advancing towards Pt 3178 SQ 4229 the forward coy came under
heavy automatic fire from a ridge beyond, and was pinned down. It was decided to send Naik
BALIRAM/SALVI'S gun to the top of the hill, since there was only one likely point where the
machine gun could be positioned, the approach was under constant automatic fire. This
NCO very cleverly collected boulders and throwing them up advanced behind them. By the
time he had reached the top, he had collected sufficient number of boulders to make cover
for his machine gun. This done, he positioned his gun behind the cover and literally gave the
enemy hell until they withdrew. He showed remarkable coolness, courage and determination.
The next morning on 15 Apr, the enemy tried to form up to rush the post. Naik SALVI
came under heavy automatic and mortar fire. He fired back undaunted untilwounded
himself, in the head. Completely disregarding his own safety he kept on firing until relieved by
his number two. In fact, even after he was relieved he kept shouting instructions to his
number two until he had to be evacuated, still in his senses through sheer force of will.
This NCO showed remarkable determination and initiative. He completely disregarded
his personal safety. His act of utter selflessness and conspicuous gallantry saved the lives of
many of his comrades. His was an act of extreme cold courage.
0
VIR CHAKRA
(6) No. 5428664 SEP PUNDALIK MAHAR

1ST BN THE MAHAR MG SEGT.
During attack on NAUSHERA on 6 Feb. 48, the MMG Post on picquet No. 7,
commanded by No. 718 Nk KRISHNA SONAWANE was heavily attacked by overwhelming
and superior numbers of the enemy. No. 4528664 Sep. PUNDLIK MAHAR was No. 1 of the
gun. The enemy advanced in mass formation from all directions and reached at a close range
to this post. No. 4528664 Sep. PUNDLIK MAHAR opened up with his gun at point blank
range and continued firing for about one and a half hour until he was wounded in the neck.
The sustained and determined effort made by this sepoy in engaging the series of enemy
waves at extremely and alarmingly close range to the post saved this vital position from falling
into the hands of the raiders.
The skill, courage, coolness of mind, determination and devotion to duty displayed by
this sepoy was of high order and was responsible for inflicting at least "FIVE HUNDRED"
casualties on the enemy and saving the vital position.
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(51. In Dec. 52, the Bn took part in a 4 Div...ceremonial parade to bid farewell to the
outgoing C in C. Gen. K. M. KARIAPPA, OBE. The Bn contingent was the best and the
smartest in the March-past and C-M-C, while taking the salute, made, a remark to that
effect, to the GOC 4 Div. The staff conveyed the appreciation and pleasure of GOC, On
producing the smartest contingent on parade
52.In Jan. 53, Bn sent a Coy to take part in the Republic Day ceremonial parade at
DELHI. During their stay in Delhi, the Coy excelled in line discipline. The Adm. Comdt DELHI
was so pleased that he took the representatives of all other units to our unit lines to show
them the model of the layout.
53.The Coys at this time were taking part in the Bde trg exercise and they acquainted
themselves well in all exercises. All Commanders were full of praise for the way the men
conducted themselves. One Bde comdr, who had the reputation of demanding the most
exacting toughness from his troops, remarked in a conference that the MAHARS were the
toughest troops under his command the training of last year had paid rich dividends. (The
MAHAR MG REGIMENT, pages 52-53).

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TO 3rd Mahar Regiment was placed at the disposal of this H.Q to help in evacuation of
non-Muslims from the civil districts Multan, Muzaffargarh and DERA GHAZI KHAN. They were
unfortunate in arriving in this area at the time when the Muslim public as well as the civil
authorities had a very little faith left in the troops from the dominion of India. The atmosphere
then prevailing was full of mistrust and suspicion. 'However, Lt. Col. HARI SING, his officers
and men set themselves to the task of restoring confidence among the Muslims which they
soon achieved.
Inspie of continuous hard work without any break for weeks they kept smiling faces
and carried out their duties extremely well. Except one or two very minor incidents they
managed to avoid any friction or unpleasantness with Muslim public and they soon gained
confidence of all those with whom they were brought in contact. Lt. Col. HARI SINGH and his
men left no stone unturned in performingtheir arduous and unpleasant duty as smoothly and
quietly as it was possible for any troops to achieve. I very much appreciate their work and
cooperation they extended to me, my staff and the civil authorities. This Bn is well
commanded and should do well in whatever sphere they may be called upon to function."
(The Mahar MG Regiment p. 62-63).
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(25 I have received a letter from the commandant ZHOB Bole, MULTAN, telling me how
well you and your men have carried out their task in that area. You had very much difficult
task working far away from your Base, underwent great strain and I congratulate you and your
Bn on a hard job well done. Earlier your Bn did excellent work in HOSHIARPUR district of
which I have personal knowledge. Will you please tell your officers and men how proud I am in
having them under my command and I will take the first opportunity of thanking them
personally. (Ibid, page 63).

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(It has given me immense pleasure to inspect this parade on the auspicious occasion of the
first anniversary of our Independence. Your smart turn-out and excellent bearing have most
impressive and I congratulate you all on a perfect display, officers and men of the Mahar
Regiment, yours is a very young Bn. hardly 5 years old, but you have: received first class
training during the war and own the highest praise from top ranking military officers. It was
only in the fitness of things that your Regiment was accorded the honour of being a Machine
Gun Bn of the 4th Inf. Div. Last year you were engaged on internal defence duty in
HOSHIARPUR and later on in evacuating our Hindu Sikh brethren and sisters for the WEST
PUNJAB under the distinguished command of Lt. Col. HARI SING, whom I have had a
pleasure of knowing for over two years and, who, if I may venture to say, so, possesses all
the qualities that a first class officer and leader of men should have. We in the EAST PUNJAB,
will always remember with gratitude your most valuable services to us in our hour of need and
distress. You are now soldiers of free INDIA and on your devolves primarily the duty of
safeguarding our independence. I am sure that, should an occasion arise, you will give a
worthy account of yourselves. You are a part of us, our kith and kin and we are immensely
proud of you. (The Mahar MG Regiment, pages 64-65. Address of Sir CHANDULAL
TRIVEDI, Governor of East Punjab, to 3rd Mahar MG Battalion, on 26-1-1948 Independence
(Republic) Day Celebration Day at Simla, when the Bn. led Ceremonial parade).
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-- . MAHAR REGIMENTS BIRTHDAY Major General S. P. P. Thorat Colonel Commandant of Mahar
Regiment, one of the youngest regiment, in the Indian Army, taking the salute at the
Regiments tenth Birth-day parade held at Sagar recently. Men of this Regiment have own five
Vir-Chakras and one Mahavir-Chakra, during the Kashmir Operation (The Times of India, 1110-1951).
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MAHAR REGIMENT REUNION
A Regiment of Heroic Exploits
The Mahar (Machine-Gun) Regiment which is on of the youngest regiment in our
Army is celebrating its second Reunion at the Regiment Centre in Saugar.
The Reunion will be attended by a large number of ex-servicemen and number of
retired and serving officers including Maj.-Gen. S.P.P. Thorat, D.S.O. Chief of the General
staff, who is also the Colonel Commandant of the Regimeht. The Battalion Commanders'
Annual Conference will also be held during the Reunion.
The Mahars are the descendants of the original inhabitants of the Deccan. They are
war-like people and from ancient times have been famed for their skill at arms. In defeated
and drove out the Aryan followers of the sage Parasuram, who had settled in North Kanara.
BEGAN AS FARMERS
In early days, their main occupation was farming the forest land on a small scale and
hunting wild game. Gradually, they were absorbed into the population though on a some
what lower social level. Today in the Maratta country the Mahar live happily side by side with
the rest. Noted for their trust worthiness, they have, for a long time, been employed in
protective duties in the villages of the Deccan.
When the British East Indian Company spread its authority over the Deccan, the old
Bombay Army was composed chiefly of Mahrattas and Mahars or as they were then called
Parwaries. The 102 Grenadiers, then the 1st Regiment of the Bombay Native Infantry were
largely Mahars.
On January 1, 1818 this Battalion with some 300 irregular troops and 24 Europeans
from the Madras Artillery fought a most memorable battle at Koregaon against 20,000 Peshwa
troops led by the renowned Bajirao Peshwa. The 102 Grenadiers joined battle after a long
forced march. Although tried and short of provisions, they gave battle to a large and fresh
force and it was entirely due to their courage and bravery that they defeated the large Peshwa
force. The battle took place south of the river Bhima opposite Koregaon, about 16 miles
north-east of Poona and is commemorated by a war memorial bearing the names of the fallen
Mahar Heroes and their officers.
HARDY AND BRAVE
In the Ratnagiri Gazetteer of 1919 it is stated that 2,180 Mahars from Ratnagiri District
were on the hardy roll and that they were obedient, hardy and brave soldiers.
During World War I, the Mahars entered the army in thousands mainly in labour units.
In January, 1917, Army Headquarters raised two special companies of Mahars forduty at
Secunderabad and Madras. In July in the same yeas 111 Mahar were raised and did duty on
the North-West Frontier and at Aden. At the end of the World War I however, this unit had to
be disbanded in the general demobilisation.
At the out-break of World-War II, the Mahars appealed for a special unit to be raised
for them. In 1940, two Ambulance Units consisting of Mahars were raised and in 1941, the
Mahar Regiment came into existence. The first battalion of the Mahar Regiment was raised in
Belgaum in October, 1941, followed by two more battalions which were raised at Kamptee
and Nowshera.
MACHINE GUNNERS
A training company which later developed into the Mahar Regimental Centre was
raised on October 1, 1942. The Mahar Regiment which was hitherto an Infantry Regiment
was converted into a Medium Machine Gun Regiment on October 1, 1946, and occupies
that unique position even today.
During the emergency which followed Partition, a battalion of the Mahar Regiment did
splendid work both in suppressing lawlessness and in the evacuation of both the Muslims and
non-Muslim communities from danger areas. For their devotion to duty and impartiality during
these troubled times they earned the praise not only from the Government but also from the
entire population where they worked.
HEROISM IN KASHMIR
In the Kashmir War in December, 1947 a battalion of the Mahar Regiment earned
undying fame by its bravery and devotion to duty. The part which this battalion played in the
battle of Jhangar will be written in the golden letters in the history of the Indian Army.
On December 24, 1947, enemy numbering between four to six thousand attacked our
petitions near Jhangar, the attack being premeded by heavy mortar and small armsfire. It
looked as if nothing could stop the onslaught of the tribesmen but the Mahars held their posts
with matchless courage. In the hundreds of tribesmen were moved down by the devastating
fire of the Mahar Machine-gunners who, when their ammunition was exhausted, fought the
enemy in a hand-to-hand battle.
The bravery of this Battalion was recognised by the award of one Maha-Vir-Chakra
and five Vir Chakras to its man and this was accompanied by a letter which read: a most
important part in turning the tide of the battle at a critical moment.
KEEN SPORTSMAN
Being a war-like people, the Mahars are keen sportsman. They like rough games like
wresling and tug-of-war. Delightful folk-dances dating back to ancient times are even today
common among the Mahars and they continue to practice this art in their units. Some time
ago, the staff and students of the staff-college, Wellingdon, wish to give a present to a
selected unit as a gesture of their appreciation of its excellent work during the Kashmir
operations. Thus unique privilege was given to a battalion of the Mahar Regiment. The Staff-
College sent an individual gift to each men. Their matchless courage and devotion to duty
played Dear Comrade,
We greatly value your heroism and services during the Kashmir campaign. Our good
wishes for your quick success are always with you. Please accept this small gift from
us.(The Times of India, Sunday 261052).
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(I was impressed by the manner in which all ranks conducted themselves during the
operation for identification parade. The explosive situation was handled very well indeed.
Please convey appreciation to all ranks who participated in the operation." The Mahar MG
Regiment, page 71).
-- , . .
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. .
. . . .
(I wish to thank each one of you for the magnificent manner in which you worked and
behaved throughout this operation. Anyone who has taken part in a mammoth operation of
this magnitude can justifiably take pride that he too had contributed to its success. I am
confident that as a result of the important, humane and just treatment which you constantly
gave to the P.W., they will remember you with gratitude. I shall remember their loud and
prolonged cheers of Sai nara (Good Bye) as they shook warmly by the hands while
crossing the limits of HIND NAGAR. In the end I thank you again for the magnificent work you
have done to date. JAI HIND. (The Mahar MG Regiment, pages 71-72; GOC's order,
dated 20-1-54, congratulatingtwo platoons of 3rd Mahar Battalion, for handing over 22,000
non-repatriated prisoners of War in Korea to the U.N. Command in Korea in the most
disciplined manner which evoked praises from other military officers also in Korea).
I would like to take this opportunity to express my heart-felt joy for the operation
which you, your JCOs and men have extended to all ranks of this Battalion during your
associations with us in KOREA.
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, , :It is really a pleasure for me to review the past few months during which you all the
worthy representatives of 3 MAHAR MG have shared our joys and hardships with us over
here.
Kindly convey our thanks to your JCOs and men (The MG Regiment, Pages 73-74).
A letter of congratulations from Lt. Col. M.R. BUDHWARE, M.C. Commander 6th Bn the JT
Regiment, HINDNAGAR, Korea, to the office of 3 Mahar Bn., on the excellent work done by
Mahar Jawans in KOREA.

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(The Mahar M. G. Regiment, page 54).

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! :ROLL OF HONOUR
THOSE WHO DIED IN J. & K. OPERATION
269
Hav....
RAWOO KAMBALE
6015
Hav....
DADU PARANJAPE
3625
Hav....
PANDURANGA RASAL
267
Hav....
SEWAK JADHAV
514
Naik
3508
PLNk.
4529197
4528471
Sep.
BARKYA KAMBALE
MARUTI TAMBE
YESHWANT KAMBLE
MARUTI SARJE
6472
GURUBALA SABLE
6151
TUKARAM KAMBALE
7331
SONYA POWER
4528475
SURAYAJI HATE
7367
JANU TAMBE
4528865
GANGARAM MOHITE
4529634
NANA SONAWANE
4530025
BABU KHANDIZOD
4529523
KONDIBA AKHADE
4528523
Swpr.
BABU LACHMAN
(The Mahar MG Regiment page 86)

:
RECEPIENETS OF C-IN-Cs
COMMENDATION DARDS
DURING PRE-PARTITION PERIOD
22952-10
Sub.
(Now Cap) RAO S.

WANKHADE
16767-10
Sub.
PANDIT KHADTALE
4531966
Hav.
KRISHNA SONAWANE
M.V.C.
4528664
Sep.
PUNDALIK MAHAR, Vr.C.
RECEPIENTS OF MENTION-IN-DESPATCHES
CERTIFICATES IN J & K OPERATION
18687-10
Sub.
BIKURAM GHATGE
46475-10
Jem.
MARUTI KAMBALE
41 (NYA)
Jem.
ANANT SAWANT
4531828
MAHADEO MOHITE
4531813
Hav.
4531827
RAMACHANDRA ALVE
4531972
SAHADEV GHADGE
4531907
BARKU JADHAV
4532379
RAJARAM KANGALE
BHUJANGA KAMBALE
35
Naik
BAPU KAMBLE
4532679
Naik
RAMA KARAPKADE
4531850
LNaik
4532532
Sep.
SHRIPAT SALVI
APPA DHALU
(The Mahar MG Regiment, page 87).

(-) 111 MAHARS
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:PRESIDENT PRESENTS TO COLOURS TO
MAHAR REGIMENT
SAGAR, February 3: Mahar, one of the youngest of the youngest of the Indian Army
received colours from the President, Mr. V. V. Giri, at an impressive function here today.
President at the function were array of generals and colonels of the Regiment and
valiant officers of the Mahars who had distinguished themselves in several battles.
Mr. Giri said that the Regiment consisted of men from almost all the states and
religions in the country apart from a substantial number of Mahars from Western India. Its
career was replete with acts of heroism, gallantry and devotion to duty which anyone could
be justifiable proud. The battalions of the regiment had served with distinction during the
Jammu & Kashmir operations in 1947-48, liberation of Goa in 1961, in a Ladakh and NEFA
in 1962 and Kuach and in the Sialkot and Lahore Sectors in 1965.
The President said that the contingents of the regiment acquitted themselves will in
their foreign assignments in Korea and Congo and brought credit not only to the regiment
but also to the Indian army and the country. They rendered valuable service in the
maintenance of law and order whenever they were called upon by the civil authorities to do
so, particularly country and in Nagaland. Thus in war and peace, their record was second to
none and was all the more enviable for a young regiment.
PROUD RECORD
Mr. Giri hoped that the colours which the regiment received would inspire its men to
attain greater glory. It was confident that the Jawans of the Mahar would not consider any
sacrifice too great to uphold the honour of their colours.
Maj.-Gen. K. V. Krishna Rao explained to press the history and the proud record of
the Mahars.
The Mahar soldiers served with distinction in Shivajis army and later in the Bombay
Native Infantry in July 1917. A battalion of the Mahars, called 111 Mahars, was raised and it
saw action in the dying phase of World War I. It was later amalgamated with the 71st Punjab
Regiment.
The Mahars hoisted their own regimental flag on October 1, 1941, when the last
battalion was raised. Soon after some of them served in Iran and Iraq.
GALLANT ACTION
On February 6, 1948, an unassuming Mahar non-commissioned officer, N. K. Krishna
Sonawala (Sonawane), inflicted 700 casualties on the Pakistan raiders and saved a vital
position although he was himself severely wounded. He was the first Mahar to have won Vir
Chakra for the regiment. Lt. Col. (now Colonel) C. S. Sangha was also decorated with
Mahavir Chakra for the commendable courage and leadership during the war against
Pakistani.
The regiment has also received 11 Vir Chakras in its young life. It was constituted into
an infantry only in 1963-64.
Last year, the regiment was awarded a dull cherry buckle and other special items of
dress by the Chief of the Army Staff in recognition of its distinguished service in war and
peace.
The colours of the regiment is dull cherry. It is embroidered with guns in silver thread.
(The Times of India 4-2-1970, page 8).
, . . The
Rise of The Indian Army .
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Button Button.. Great Tradition Little Tradition Whose Tradition?
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Previous Name of unit

1st Bombay Native 1)

Present Name of unit

1st BN The Grenadiers

1 BN The Maratha Light Infantry

1 BN The Rajputana Rifles

2nd BN The Maratha Light Infantry

3rd BNThe Maratha Light Infantry

111 Maratha in World War 1914-18

The Maratha Light Infantry Centre

4 BN The Maratha Light Infantry

2 BN the Jat Regiment

2 BN the Jajputana Rifles

(THEN 121 Pioneers)

3 BN The Rajputana Rifles

4th BN The Rajputana Rifles

5 BN The Rajputana Rifles

(THEN 128 Pioneers)

The Bombay 29)

Secretary to the Government

Sd(The MAHAR MG Regiment, page 91)

Greating by Virtueof the Power and Authority to us given we do

Sd|(The MAHAR MG Regiment, page 93).

department Mahabaleshwar. Pages 65-73, Vol. 13/18 Military Deptt.)

Shivram Govind Waiker Master.

21st June 1894.

Subedar Ragnak Mhadnak

Jamdr. Sadanak Kamalnak

Jamdr. Vittnak Gannak

Jamdr. Mownak Nownak

Sub.M. Dhamamnak Subnak

Subedar Ittnak Gannak

Subedar Bhagnnak Gannak

Subedar Soknak Malnak

Subedar Changnak Ramnak

Jamdr. Bhagnak Ittnak

Jamdr. Harnak Bhalnak

Jamdr. Bhagnak Gangnak

Jamdr. Ittnak Dhondnak

Jamdr. Sakarnak Maniknak

Jamdr. Sewnak Gangnak

Subedar Sewnak Pandnak

Subedar Sudaknak Ramnak

Subedar Balnak Subarnak

Subedar Cootanak Doonnak

Subedar Gangnak Ratannak

Subedar Kootnak Dharmanak

Jamdr. Gangnak Roopnak

Jamdr. Sewnak Changnak

Jamdr. Mannak Gannak

Subedar Changnak Ramnak

Jamdr. Har Sewnak

Sub-Maj. Chanknak Ramnak

Subedar Ramnak Mhadnak

Subedar Jamnak Ramnak

Subedar Dharamak Ramnak

Subedar Satnak Namnak

Subedar Kedarnak Ramnak

Jamdr. Ragnak Ramnak

Jamdr. Lakhnak Ramnak

Subedar Ramnak Malnak

Jamdr. Governak Dadnak

Jamdr. Ittnak Dewnak